for כָּסַל; to be silly; do (make, play the, turn into) fool(-ish, -ishly, -ishness).
Transliteration:çâkal
Pronunciation:saw-kal'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb סָכַל (çâkal, `{{H5528}}`) carries the primary meaning of "to be foolish," "to act foolishly," or "to become silly." Its base definition indicates a close semantic relationship, and possibly a direct derivation or variant form, with the root כָּסַל (kâsal, `{{H3688}}`), which similarly denotes foolishness or stupidity. The semantic range of סָכַל extends beyond mere intellectual deficiency to encompass moral and spiritual ineptitude. It describes not only a passive state of being "silly" but also the active performance of foolish deeds, suggesting a profound lack of sound judgment, discernment, and often, a disregard for divine wisdom. In biblical thought, such foolishness is rarely benign; it frequently implies a moral failing or a deviation from the path of righteousness, leading to detrimental consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term סָכַל (çâkal, `{{H5528}}`) appears in several significant biblical passages, consistently highlighting the negative implications of foolish action or disposition.
In [[2 Samuel 24:10]] and its parallel [[1 Chronicles 21:8]], King David confesses, "I have acted very foolishly" (הִסְכַּלְתִּי מְאֹד). Here, the Hiphil stem indicates that David *caused himself to act foolishly* or *did a foolish thing*. His foolishness was not a lack of intellect but a moral transgression—numbering Israel and Judah, which was a display of reliance on human strength rather than divine providence, leading to divine judgment. This context firmly links "foolishness" with sin and disobedience, demonstrating that even well-intentioned acts can be foolish if they betray a lack of trust in God.
The prophet Jeremiah employs the Niphal stem (נִסְכְּלוּ, "they have become foolish" or "they are made foolish") in [[Jeremiah 5:4]], describing those who "know not the way of the LORD." This usage connects foolishness directly to spiritual ignorance and a failure to apprehend God's truth. Similarly, in [[Jeremiah 10:8]], the people are described as "altogether brutish and foolish," a state explicitly tied to the worship of idols and "the doctrine of vanities." Here, foolishness is the antithesis of true knowledge of God, manifesting in the absurdity and spiritual emptiness of idolatry.
Finally, in [[Jeremiah 50:36]], in a prophecy against Babylon, it is declared that "a sword is upon the liars; and they shall dote" (יִסְכָּלוּ). The Qal stem here suggests that they will simply *become foolish* or *act foolishly* as a consequence of divine judgment, their wisdom failing them in their time of crisis. This indicates that foolishness can also be a divinely ordained state, a consequence of rebellion and a precursor to ruin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of סָכַל (çâkal, `{{H5528}}`) is enriched by examining its relationship with other Hebrew terms for foolishness and their antonyms. As noted in its definition, סָכַל is closely related to כָּסַל (kâsal, `{{H3688}}`), the root from which the noun כְּסִיל (kəsil, `{{H3687}}`, "fool" or "stupid person") is derived. The "kəsil" in wisdom literature, particularly Proverbs, is characterized by moral deficiency, resistance to instruction, and a propensity for self-destruction.
Other significant terms expressing various facets of foolishness include:
* אֱוִיל (ʾĕwîl, `{{H200}}`): A stubborn, arrogant fool, often morally perverse, who despises wisdom and instruction.
* נָבָל (nābāl, `{{H5036}}`): A senseless, godless, and impious fool, exemplified by Nabal in [[1 Samuel 25]]. This term often implies moral depravity and a rejection of God.
* הוֹלֵל (hôlēl, `{{H1984}}`): One who is mad or foolish, often in a reckless or boisterous manner.
These terms collectively paint a picture of foolishness in the Hebrew Bible as far more than intellectual deficiency; it is a profound moral and spiritual malady. Its antithesis is wisdom (חָכְמָה, `{{H2451}}`), understanding (בִּינָה, `{{H998}}`), and knowledge (דַּעַת, `{{H1847}}`), which are all rooted in the fear of the Lord and obedience to His commands.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of סָכַל (çâkal, `{{H5528}}`) is profound, revealing that biblical foolishness is primarily a spiritual and moral failing rather than a mere intellectual shortcoming. It is a state of being or acting that stands in direct opposition to divine wisdom and righteousness.
1. **Sin and Disobedience:** David's confession in [[2 Samuel 24:10]] and [[1 Chronicles 21:8]] demonstrates that "acting foolishly" is synonymous with committing sin against God. It is a departure from the path of obedience, often stemming from pride, self-reliance, or a lack of trust in God's provision. Such actions invite divine displeasure and judgment.
2. **Spiritual Blindness and Ignorance:** As seen in [[Jeremiah 5:4]] and [[Jeremiah 10:8]], foolishness is intrinsically linked to a lack of knowledge of the Lord and His ways. It is a spiritual blindness that prevents individuals and nations from discerning truth and righteousness, leading them into idolatry and futility. The worship of idols is presented as the epitome of human foolishness, a turning away from the living God to lifeless objects of human creation.
3. **Consequence of Rebellion and Judgment:** The usage in [[Jeremiah 50:36]] suggests that foolishness can also be a consequence of divine judgment. When nations or individuals persist in rebellion, God may "make them foolish," causing their own wisdom to fail and leading them to ruin. This highlights God's sovereignty over human intellect and the ultimate futility of wisdom pursued apart from Him.
In essence, סָכַל underscores the biblical truth that true wisdom begins with God, and to reject Him or His ways is the ultimate act of foolishness, leading to moral decay, spiritual darkness, and eventual judgment.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb סָכַל (çâkal, `{{H5528}}`) fundamentally describes the act or state of being foolish or silly, closely related to the root for "stupid" (כָּסַל, `{{H3688}}`). Its biblical usage extends beyond simple intellectual deficiency to encompass significant moral and spiritual dimensions. As evidenced by David's confession in [[2 Samuel 24:10]], it denotes sinful actions born of a lack of trust or obedience. In Jeremiah, it characterizes those ignorant of God's ways and those who engage in the spiritual folly of idolatry ([[Jeremiah 5:4]], [[Jeremiah 10:8]]). Furthermore, it can describe a state of confusion or irrationality that results from divine judgment ([[Jeremiah 50:36]]). Theologically, סָכַל highlights that true foolishness in the biblical worldview is a profound spiritual malady, a rejection of God's wisdom and a path leading to sin, spiritual blindness, and ultimately, divine consequence. It stands in stark contrast to the wisdom that begins with the fear of the Lord.
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